108 new social and affordable housing units in Québec

Québec, Quebec, October 9, 2025

The governments of Quebec and Canada, the City of Québec and the Office municipal d’habitation de Québec (OMHQ) marked today the inauguration of Zénith, a building with 108 social and affordable housing units for families and individuals, including 31 housing units for youth transitioning to adult life and housing autonomy. This project represents an investment of more than $50.2 million.

The event was attended by Sonia Bélanger, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region, Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services and Minister Responsible for the Montérégie Region, Jean-François Simard, Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region, Dany Caron, General Manager of the Office municipal d’habitation de Québec (OMHQ – SOMHAC), and many other partners.

The Government of Quebec contributed more than $37 million to this building’s construction through the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), which also secured the organization’s mortgage loan. The Government of Canada added more than $250,000 in financial assistance through the third Canada – Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement to support the construction of the project’s 31 housing units for youth in difficulty. The City of Québec made land available for the housing project, and contributed nearly $3 million to its completion. The OMHQ will provide building maintenance and management services in addition to handling unit rentals.

In addition, funding provided by the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale will enable the roll-out of housing services adapted to youth transitioning to adult life and housing autonomy, in collaboration with Trajectoires 16 – 35 and community youth stakeholders. Its core objectives are to support residential stability and prevent homelessness among youth exiting youth protection services. This component — named Zénith jeunesse — includes 29 units with support, as well as two semi-supervised apartments (10 spaces) providing transitional housing for youth aged 17 to 25. Funding for Zénith jeunesse — which totals over $1.75 million — is provided to the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.

Quotes:

“Our government is committed to building more, accelerating the development of social and affordable housing, and meeting the needs of all groups. Today, with Project Zénith, 108 more households now have access to a safe and quality living environment. There have never been as many social and affordable housing units under construction as there are right now — proof that our approach is delivering concrete results across Québec.”
— Sonia Bélanger, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region

“Our government is determined to support municipalities in finding local solutions to housing challenges. This project will provide a rapid response to the urgent housing needs of youth in difficulty in Québec.” We work with our partners to help build strong, supportive communities.”
— The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“Zénith is a concrete example of what we can achieve when partners come together to meet the needs of the population. I commend the work of the teams at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, the OMHQ, and everyone who contributed to this essential project for our community. This initiative offers a safe and dignified living environment for families, individuals living alone, and youth in difficulty. For the youth component specifically, more than $1.75 million has been granted by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.”
— Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services and Minister Responsible for the Montérégie Region

“We need to use all the means at our disposal to respond effectively to the housing crisis. Today’s announcement is an important step to ensuring that every Quebecer and Canadian, including the most vulnerable, has a place to call home in their community. This project is proof that, when the various levels of government come together, we move things forward.”
— The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec Centre

“Thanks to the impressive work of the project partners, 108 social and affordable housing units are now available to families, people living alone, and youth in difficulty. It’s a concrete response to a real housing need that enables citizens of the Capitale-Nationale region to live and thrive in an environment that meets their needs.”
— Jean-François Simard, Quebec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region

“The OMHQ is proud to make Zénith’s 108 social and affordable housing units available in a unique and innovative living environment designed to serve a mix of client groups and uses. Zénith is the fruit of extensive collaboration with partners, as well as a collective commitment to increase the rental supply and help prevent homelessness in Québec.”
— Dany Caron, General Manager, OMHQ - SOMHAC

“With nearly a third of people leaving youth centres experiencing at least one episode of homelessness, it is crucial to prepare and support them toward adult life and housing autonomy. The CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale therefore seized the opportunity to implement youth services within Zénith, a truly innovative housing project and another great example of a partnership between our health institution, the OMHQ, the City of Québec, and the community.”
— Amélie Morin, Deputy President and CEO of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale

Highlight:

Up to 60 eligible households could benefit from the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, ensuring that they will not spend more than 25% of their income on rent. This additional assistance is covered by the SHQ (90%) and the City of Québec (10%).

About the Société d’habitation du Québec:

As a leader in housing, the SHQ’s mission is to meet the housing needs of Quebecers through its expertise and services to citizens. It does this by providing affordable and low-rental housing and offering a range of assistance programs to support the construction, renovation and adaptation of homes, and access to homeownership.

To find out more about its activities, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html.

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About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:

Visit canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.

CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. Its mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC also actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating co-operation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, it contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.